SMX League goes down under to tap top talent in Australia, New Zealand
The SMX League announced it is partnering with the Australian-based AUSX Supercross Championship to create SMX Next Australia, the first regional extension of the SMX Next development program that serves as the minor league for the SMX World Championship.
Launched in 2024, SMX Next is a season-long development program that gives top prospects a pathway to break into professional SMX racing. SMX Next Australia will serve as an additional avenue for young riders in Australia and New Zealand to develop their skills and gain race experience.
Australia and New Zealand have both shown they can produce top-end SMX racing talent, none more evident than three-time SMX World Champion Jett Lawrence and his brother Hunter Lawrence, the current SMX World Championship points leader. Rising star and newly crowned 250cc Pro Motocross Champion Cole Davies is from New Zealand and has a resume that includes 2025 Supercross 250 AMA Rookie of the Year and 2026 Eastern Divisional 250SMX Championship accolades.
“By creating additional opportunities for athletes, SMX Next Australia can help strengthen the future of racing throughout Australia and New Zealand,” says Adam Bailey, president of the AUSX Supercross Championship. “The program will continue to build on the strong heritage we already have by investing in future generations and giving emerging athletes a stronger platform.”
The AUSX Supercross Championship starts Oct. 3 in Townsville, Queensland. SMX Next Australia will feature top prospects at each round of the AUSX Supercross Championship, and finalists will be invited to participate in the 2027 SMX Next World All-Stars event as part of the 2027 SMX World Championship Playoffs. Dates and locations for the 2027 SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final will be announced in January 2027.
The 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship schedule will be announced in October and will include the SMX Next dates and locations.
